Success with Seeds Greg Holdsworth January 2016 1
2 Advantages of starting your own Access to 100 s of unique varieties Not limited by what is available locally The joy of seeing them start as seeds Most challenging yet rewarding
3 What you need: Light Sources Natural direct sunlight South-facing window if possible Grow light (strongly recommended) Buy or build your own Bulb types: fluorescent, HID, LED Automate with timer
4 What you need: Water Use lukewarm/room temperature water Store in water jugs Water with Small watering can Hand-held sprayer (get a good quality one)
5 What you need: Soil Soilless medium Purchase Seed starting mix Potting soil Mix your own Peat moss or coir Perlite Vermiculite Compost
6 What you need: Other Flats/trays (with inserts) Containers Jiffy pots CowPots TM Plastic cups* Yogurt cups* *Must have drain holes
7 What you need: Other Heat mat (strongly recommended) Storage tubs Plastic trays Box lids
8 What you need: Other Small hand cultivator or trowel Labels (wood, plastic, etc.) Pen or marker Colander (or other screen) Towels
9 What you need: Records Record dates or tasks Calendar Notebook Smart phone apps Helpful next year Garden tracking websites MyFolia.com Zukeeni.com Old seed packets
10 What you need: Seeds Keep at room temperature or cooler Check expiration date Last year - OK Two years or more -?
11 Seed viability test [Demo] You will need Gallon-size plastic bag Seeds Paper towel Spray bottle Pen or marker Moisten seeds in paper towel Put in dark location Check in 5-7 days
13 Planting seeds [Demo] Same plants, same tray More than one seed per cell plant in corners Correct depth Use tray bottom to flatten soil Use empty pens to make holes
13 Watering seeds [Demo] When planting seeds By wetting planting medium ( moist cake consistency) After seeds are planted Spraying or misting (stop after seeds have germinated) From the top (watering can) From the bottom up using a tray or pan (wicking via capillary action)
14 Watering tips [Demos] Spray or mist surface first to break surface tension (before seeds germinate) Add potting soil or compost to seed starting mix to increase drainage Use craft sticks as moisture meters Let seed starting mix dry between waterings (mostly) DO NOT OVERWATER!
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16 Leggy Seedlings Prevent or minimize by: When using grow lights: Position close to seedlings as possible Leave on at least 12-14 hours Use foil to help reflect light Reduce heat after germination Strengthen seedling stems with fan, hairdryer or by brushing with hands
17 Feeding After seeds germinate Root stimulator (optional) When seedlings have two sets of true leaves Fish emulsion or seaweed Compost tea Worm tea Other organic fertilizer
18 Thank you!
19 Encore! Encore!
20 Transition to outdoors Seedlings have had it easy so far Time to toughen em up! Hardening off is the process of acclimating plants to outdoor conditions
21 Transition to outdoors Harden off your transplants by: (Inside) Simulating wind with a fan, hairdryer or brushing with hands (Outside) Gradually expose them to sunlight and outdoor temperatures
22 Transition schedule Day 1: NO direct sun exposure Protect from all wind if possible Bring inside overnight Day 2: Direct sun for only 1-2 hours Watch very carefully Moderate wind protection Leave in garage or cooler location overnight
23 Transition schedule Day 3: Direct sun for 4-6 hours No wind protection Leave outside overnight unless there is a frost/freeze threat Days 4 & 5 (if possible): Direct sun for 6-8 hours No wind protection Leave outside overnight unless there is a frost/freeze threat
24 Misc. Tips [Demos] Use permanent marker on plant labels Watering wand with removable head Quick Connect Kit Cutworm protection Toilet paper/paper towel rolls Coffee sleeves Chopstick, nail, etc. Metal blind labels